[Dakota]

Originally posted by Steve M
3-5-1 & New Penalty: The head coach is now required to attend the pregame conference and verify the team is legally and properly equipped. Penalty has been established for non-compliance. First offense results in a team warning, subsequent offense results in the offender and the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench.

Good way to handle this. Instead of making it a game of "fool the ump" it becomes someone's responsibility.

Originally posted by Steve M
3-6-19 New: If a participant intentionally removes a boundary line, a strike or ball shall be called on the batter for an infraction by the offense or defense, respectively. A team warning shall also be issued to the head coach. Any subsequent infraction will result in the head coach being restricted to the dugout/bench for the remainder of the game.

I guess this is really about the batter's boxes. What boundary line would the defense be trying to erase?

Originally posted by Steve M
7-2-1h New: A strike will be called on the batter when, in the umpire’s judgment, she prevents a pitched ball from entering the strike zone.

By, for example, hitting the ball??

Originally posted by Steve M
8-6-4; 8-8-17 New: Clarified that a base runner passing an obstructed runner is not out.

8-6-14: Clarified that a base runner is out whenever malicious contact occurs and that malicious contact always supersedes obstruction

I wonder if ASA will also adopt these. The runner passing an obstructed runner was discussed here at some length a few weeks ago. The flagrant misconduct OUT has existed in ASA for 2-3 years as a case play only. It would be good to see it in the actual rules.